Building Effective Bat Houses: Specifications That Actually Work

Want to attract bats for natural insect control? Skip the small, decorative houses sold in stores—they rarely succeed. Follow Bat Conservation International's science-based specifications instead.

Essential Bat House Requirements

• Height: Minimum 2 feet tall
• Chamber dimensions: At least 20 inches tall × 14 inches wide
• Landing area: 3-6 inches extending below entrance
• Construction: Taller and wider is even better
• Mounting: 12-20 feet high on a pole or building (not trees), facing south/southeast for 6-8 hours of sun

Key Design Features

Multi-chambered houses with roughened interior surfaces (or plastic mesh) allow bats to cluster and maintain optimal temperatures. Proper ventilation gaps prevent overheating. Seal all exterior seams to prevent drafts.

Realistic Expectations

Bats primarily eat moths and beetles—not mosquitoes. While they provide valuable pest control, don't expect them to eliminate mosquitoes. Bat Conservation International (batcon.org) offers free build-your-own plans and certified house listings.

Installation Timing

Mount houses by early spring before bats return from migration or hibernation. It may take 1-2 seasons for colonization.